Research Scientist, Immunology
Exscientia
- Oxford
- Permanent
- Full-time
Exscientia is an AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting. Our internal pipeline is focused on leveraging our precision medicine platform in oncology, while our partnered pipeline broadens our approach to other therapeutic areas. By pioneering a new approach to medicine creation, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.All of our Innovation is driven by people; highly talented multi-disciplinary teams that work collaboratively to solve real world drug discovery problems. Following multiple partnerships with many leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutes, we have a robust and rapidly expanding portfolio of projects, and we are looking to continue to expand our immunology group and hire a Research scientist.The teamThe Immunology team at Exscientia provides immunology insights and experimental expertise to small-molecule discovery projects focused on auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. The team is based in well-equipped labs on the Oxford Science Park. The successful candidate will provide data to help the team validate novel targets and critical data to drive our drug discovery projects in support of a range of target classes, often in areas of novel biology. Working in multi-disciplinary discovery teams, we bring immunological and disease understanding to support data-driven decision-making to progress projects efficiently. We work on internal and partnered projects, developing effective and productive relationships with all our collaborators.The roleSuccessful applicants will use their immunological expertise to design and implement a series of studies to enable target validation across a broad areas in immunology and inflammatory indications. You will be given the freedom to design, plan and execute a variety of assays, ensuring that the assays are fit-for-purpose, and that data is appropriately quality-controlled. You will additionally provide data to drive active portfolio programs and support mode of action and translational studies. We have access to a wide array of assay technologies (including FRET, luminescence, FACs, imaging) with liquid handling/automation capabilities and are continually striving to deploy the latest technologies and develop ever more efficient processes. This is primarily a laboratory-based positions with scope for continual learning and development and exposure to all scientific disciplines within the drug discovery process from target id/validation to candidate selection.RequirementsEssential competencies:
- Ph.D in Biology, immunology or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry or academia.
- Practical understanding of a wide range of assay technologies such as multiplexing, flow cytometry and imaging
- Sterile techniques and cell culture
- Isolating & working with human primary immune cells and/or complex cell models
- In vitro assay development and assay optimisation experience
- Flexible, adaptable and able to work across multiple projects
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to communicate technical information to a non-specialist audience
- Experience in working on a drug discovery program and screening data analysis
- Practical knowledge in molecular techniques such as lentiviral transduction and siRNA knockdown
- Broad experience across a wide range of I&I indications
- Use of automation/liquid handling
- Working with in an inter-disciplinary team
- Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with strong company values.
- As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.
- We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive both a new joiner and annual share award.
- Enjoy our generous holiday allowance and flexible working approach to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.
- Create amazing memories or progress your personal and professional development with our four-week paid sabbatical after four years of service.
- We’re leading the way in progressive leave, offering enhanced policies such as generous parental leave, surrogacy, menopause, and family emergency leave so you feel supported no matter the life event.
- Additionally, we support childcare costs for children aged 0-5 through our affordable childcare scheme.
- Take advantage of two generous salary exchange schemes to claim discounts on a brand new electricvehicle and cycling equipment worth up to £3,500.
- As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
- We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including therapy and counselling sessions plus an employee assistance program for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.
- To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer pension and life cover.
- Help yourself to free drinks and snacks in our fully stocked kitchens. Join your colleagues in one of our many breakout areas and get to know the people you are working with. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!
- Feel inspired in our high spec labs where you will use state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation that enable you to do your best work.
- We’ll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.
- Learn more about why our team